Quick Facts
Location - Ponda taluka, North Goa district, 29km southeast of
capital Panaji.
How To Reach - Ponda is connected with state capital Panaji by the
National Highway 4A. The highway also connects different parts of Karnataka.
The Margao is the nearest railhead(17km). The nearest airport is Dabolim
airport.
Where To Stay - Plenty of hotels.
When To Go - November to February
Must See - Ramnath temple, Mangueshi temple, Safa Masjid, Bondla
Wildlife Sanctuary
Ponda is originally a part of Quela village, located 29km southeast of
Panaji. The quintessential temple town is famous among travelers for ancient
Hindu temples and nearby Bondla wildlife sanctuary. The area once ruled by
Hindu king of Sonda under Bijapur sultanate who gave shelter to fleeing
Hindus and encouraged them to conduct their rites and rituals. There were
some temples built in and around Ponda for Hindus. In 18th century,
Portuguese took over the area along with Quepem, Canacona and Sanguem. Due
to a strong Hindu influence, Ponda remained a major Hindu city of Goa and
not much changed occurred during the rule.
There are plenty of Hindu temple scattered in and around Ponda. The famous
are Mangueshi temple and Ramnath temple. Other than that Shanta Durga
temple, Mahalasa Narayani at Mardol are also popular among visitors. As
Ponda was under the Bijapur Sultanate, a mosque was built during the reign
of Ibrahim Adil Shah. There were another shirnes, which were demolished by
Portuguese. Another important attraction of Ponda is spice farms that makes
the place a good place for day sightseeing.
Sights And Activities
Safa Shahouri Masjid
This mosque was one of 27 built in Ponda by Ibrahim Adil Shah in 1560. This
simple looking mosques conserves relics of past. A masonry colonnade with
eight sided columns adorns the outer periphery of the mosque platform
surmounted by finials. The walls of the stone water tank, adjacent to the
mosque, are supported by underwater arches, which is why swimming is
prohibited. The mosque and the tank were fronted by a garden with broad
laterite walkways.
Mount Carmel Chapel
This is one of the beautiful chapels established in central Goa. Neat and
contemporary, the 18th century chapel's altars are of dark, elegantly carved
wood and it is favoured over the main church, St Anne's in Silvanagar.
The Miraculous Cross
Ponda may be a Hindu heartland of Goa but the feast in each year on the 3rd
of May witnesses people from all creed throng the place through an arduous
route of climbing up a steep hill.
Shri Shantadurga Temple
The temple has an interesting architecture, 1 km southwest of the town
center. The temple is dedicated to goddess of peace, the temple sports an
unusual, almost pagoda like structure with a roof made from long slabs of
stone.
Spice Farms
The spice farms in Ponda are an interesting places to visit. Tropical Spice
Farm provides a 45 minute tour of the spice plantation. Also an excellent
buffet lunch plus a ride on elephant are available. The Sahakari Spice Farm
closer to Ponda offers almost identical tour.
Excursions From Ponda
There are more than 50 temples within a 10km radius of Ponda. Apart from
temple sightseeing, Bondla wildlife sanctuary, which is nestled in the
foothills of the western ghats. Inside the wildlife sanctuary there are also
a botanical garden and zoo.
